Dingle Jingle

Dingle, Dingle. It is going to be tough to leave this beautiful and ideal town. Mama Rosen and I contemplated whether to stay another night or move on to Doolin. Ultimately, we decided some day we would come back to Dingle but it is time to move on and experience all the history and scenery in Doolin. Today felt like a California day-- sunny, warm and a hint of ocean. We started off a little later today and drove on the Connor Pass to the top. We hiked up the path on stones embedded in the grassy slope. The views were stunning-lakes, mountains, Dingle rocky ravines, waterways. We passed sheep grazing alongside the steep slopes. I nicked my hand on some barbed wire. Ouch---We then headed by to town of Dingle and out on Route 559 on the Slea Head road. Ah--yellow flowers, orange flowers, sparkling sea, sheep, cows, sheep-Oh yeah, did I mention that Mama Rosen stops everytime we see a sheep-meaning, we stop all the time!!! We stopped at Dunquin, saw Dunbeg fort. It dates from 500 B.C. As we continued along the road, we saw ruined abbeys, remains of castles and forts. Of course, we stopped for sheep, almost stopped to see ancient Bee Hives but decided against it when we not only heard, but saw bees flying. Off we went to the Corca Dhuibhne Beach on the Dingle Peninsula where Ryan's Daughter was filmed! It was a site to behold! I miss being at the beach but here the beach is so much different-- you feel like you are in a fairy tale or yet, on a beach in a similar setting to the movie "Lord of the Rings." The wind, sun and scenic view is enough to want to stay here forever. I know I constantly comment on the people in Ireland but I will tell you a small incident that just proves my point again. Mama Rosen and I had a lot of difficulty getting out of our tiny parking spot in the lot and two Irish people who wanted to come into the lot, backed all the way out, (I thought they were going to get mad) got out of their cars and came out and helped direct us on how far to turn around and told us to take our time and wishes us well as we left. Anyways, it is really nice to know that people here are patient and understanding in these circumstances. From the beach, we could see the Blasket Islands-- whose name likely came from the Vikings. Our final stop was back the Gallarus Oratory, which was very interesting to see. It dates back as far as possibly the 9th century. Little is known about the people who live there but they made their settlements with stone each stacked up on one another and slightly slanted. They managed to keep the insides of their houses dry because of this design! After the tour of the Gallarus Oratory, we passed by a few more ruined abbeys and made our way back to the Pax House in Dingle. Mama Rosen and I decided to have a cup of tea and sit outside with the other guests at the Bed and Breakfast which turned out to be quite the adventure. The owner, John, of the Pax House has a couple of chickens and a dog. Well, Mom decided to feed the chickens sugar droplets and I was freaking out the whole time because she thought it would be funny to throw them near my feet!! The one chicken got so excited to eat the sugar tablets, it started to peck hard at my leg! I tried to run away but it kept following me! Needless to say, I am terrified of chickens now. I know when Mom reads this she will laugh because that is exactly what she was doing the entire time!! Anyways, it was quite the adventure. After tea, we went into town and ate at a lovely restaurant called, "Out of the Blue" which only serves seafood. Superb. The food and environment was fantastic! Supposedly, it ranks in the top 100 restaurants in Ireland! It will be sad to leave this place but I am excited to head to Doolin and then to Galway! Thursday I start school already! I can't believe how fast this trip has gone by! I must get ready for tomorrow's big day ahead. I think we will be taking a ferry to an island in Doolin and are in talks to do other activities as well. Goodnight everyone!

Slainte is Tainte (Health and wealth)

Nicole O'Rosen

Kenmore, Killarny...Dingle!

Right now I am sitting outside Pax Bed and Breakfast on a lovely authentic table with Mama Rosen at Dingle Harbor, where the supposed famous dolphin, Fungie, resides. Fungie has been there for over 20 years! The owners of the house left binoculars on the windowsill just in case we wanted to try and scope out the dolphin in the water. This has to be by far one of my favorite destinations we have come across on this journey throughout Ireland. To recap the day up until now, we left the lovely town of Kenmare on the N71 towards Killarney. On our way through the mountain pass along the Ring of Kerry, we stopped at an Avoca Weaver's Store in Molly’’s Gap and browsed at all the beautiful wollen goods. It is hard to believe the sheep on the side of the road are the providers of the most famous sweaters, scarves, and hats in Ireland. We ventured on to the N72 from the store into Killarney National Park with majestic lakes and streams. The view was a site to behold! I was so taken aback, I had to videotape the picturesque scene. Everywhere you go in Ireland, there is something to take away from what you see. Most of the people I have come across in Ireland, let life take its course and really enjoy and take their time in whatever they are doing. I never feel rushed or uneasy here which is very different the the hussle and bustle of the the city. Before heading to the Muckros (Muckross) House and Gardens in Killarny, Mama Rosen and I turned off a path that lead to one of the lakes. My pictures on the rocks will show where we were but does not give full majesty of this place. I want to call it my spot because it really felt like that and hopefully throughout these next few months, I can return. After leaving the "spot" we went on a guided tour throughout the Muckors House which was magnificent with waterford chandelliers, eclectic furnishings venetian glass and the actual bed that Queen Victoria slept in when she visited. Some of the furniture we saw dates back to the 17th Century! I am proud to say I now know about chamber pots, bed warmers, ice cream makers and cutlery sharpeners. It was interesting how a household was maintained without any electricity and 22 servants with approximately 25 bedrooms. After the close of the tour, we meandered along some of the paths of Killarney park and came across the church that was the inspiration for Bram Stoker's, "Dracula." The church was stunning and the detail in the craftsmanship was impeccable. We then started on our journey to Dingle Peninsula. Dingle is one of a kind and one of the most beautiful and amazing towns that I have been seen. They speak Gaelic and everything is so authentic. Inch Beach was outstanding-- the warm ocean water was at low tide and the sand was soft beneath my feet. It felt like home. The beach was wonderful and so is the town of Dingle. There are a bunch of various stores that sell everything from crystal to old irish books. The restaurant we ate at was called, "Fentons" which was very good! Everything is just so wonderful here it is hard to put it any other way. The sheep and cows are scattered throughout the grasslands and are so nice to watch. To end this post, I would like to say that I miss everyone in the States and I really hope everybody is having a great rest of the summer or a wonderful start to the new school year. I really look forward to hearing about everyone else's adventures as well! Goodbye until tomorrow!

Síorghrá(eternal love?),

Nicole

Day 3 and 4 Recap!

Wow, the days seem to go by so fast but I have done so much it is hard to remember everything. First of all, many of you have asked me for pictures. I will definitely add some pictures to this blog soon. Up until now, all the Bed and Breakfast places we have stayed at had little to no internet capabilities. Yesterday, was a beautiful day in Ireland. Unlike the two days prior, there wasn't random rain showers. What's interesting is that Ireland stays pretty bright until around 10:00 p.m. so you can fully enjoy the entire day. Mama Rosen and I headed to Kilkenny and discovered the beautiful castle of Kilkenny and the small town. Each city and town vary, which is lovely to see--so unique and educational. We went through Clonmel and Cork down to Kinsale, which is on the Celtic Sea. There was a beautiful pier in Kinsale and we ate at a famous restaurant called, "Fishy Fish Restaurant." Supposedly, the owner said they are now in the works to do a reality show! He told me I should come back to help out! When we went to get gas, Mama Rosen asked a Garda (police officer) how the payment works. There was no credit card machines like there are in the States. So, one fills up the car with gasoline first and then goes inside to pay!! Yes, fill up first and then go in to pay. It is expensive for gasoline-about 8 to 9 dollars a gallon. Our next stop was Kinsale, where we visited and explored the famous Desmond Castle. I actually screamed when I looked into a place which housed prisoners and saw two figures sitting down with their heads bowed. Ahh-I thought they were real! We pushed a button and an audio came on telling of some of the events that took place in Desmond Castle. We left Kinsale the next day and went along the R600. We heard the route had been closed just until a few months ago due to heavy flooding. The route lies long the southernmost part of Ireland next to the Celtic Sea. It was a breathtaking view. As we got onto the N 71 towards Kenmare, tall trees on the side of the row were gracefully making an arch along the road for miles. It was like driving under a green canopy going up a mountain pass, Healy's pass. There were sheep grazing, cows, grazing, horses grazing, even a pig grazing. Right off the sides of the slopes of the mountains- so tranquil and serene. It is weird sitting on the left side of the car while Mama Rosen drives on the right side of the car on the left side of the road. The roads are windy, bumpy and narrow-so narrow that one car seems to just fit let along two cars. AND when those big tractor trucks are on the road-SLOWWWW going...but it is all an adventure. Everyone has been so nice. We went to Garnish Island. Took a ferry boat from Glengariff. Gorgeous views and exotic flowers. Lots of bees, too. Now we are in Kenmare. Went to see the ancient stones left in a mystic circle during the Druid times of the Bronze age--then went to eat an amazing meal and listen to live Irish music. I had a beer apple cider and Mama had a beer--SO LOVELY and such a cute town. I am so exhausted and tomorrow we head to Dingle!

Le gach dea ghui (best wishes),

Nicole

Dia Dhuit from Ireland!

Di Dhuit! Yesterday, my mom and I finally arrived in Ireland! I can't believe how beautiful and green this place truly is in person. There was a slight drizzle when we got outside but it didn't even bother me. In fact, it made the place that much more enchanting. We rented a car which was quite the experience since the driver sits in the seat to the right and drives on the left side of the road. The driving situation took awhile to get used too and at times our driving was below the speed limit since the roads are VERY narrow and there are bramble bushes that brush up against the car. However, there was very little honking or aggression from other people on the road which was a nice change. As far as traveling from the airport, we took our rental car from Dublin over the Sally gap and through the Wicklow mountains to the Wicklow Mountains National Park and Glenndalough and Laragh. We stopped at the Country Tea House in Glendalough which was quaint and filled with smiling faces and warm greetings. The tea is fresh but the food is not my favorite. After leaving the Tea House we stopped at Glenddalough to wander among the 5th century Monastery founded by Saint Kevin. The site was very beautiful and we took a trail along a lake which really inspired me to stay open-minded while I am on this journey. There is so much to see and so much to experience. We ended up getting a bit lost coming back from the monastery to our Bed and Breakfast in Kilkenny but the drive was so stunning, it was worth it. What is truly fascinating is that the trees arch over the roads so you feel like you are driving through a tunnel of trees and nature. I really love Ireland and the beauty and wonder of everything it contains. The Irish are extremely friendly and willing to help out if you are lost or have a question. People in Ireland seem to really take their time and enjoy life, whether eating a meal or walking around admiring the scenery. I really feel at peace and calm here. Today, My mom and I are headed into Kilkenny to see the Kilkenny Castle and then into Kinsale. Till then, Slan!

10 DAYS till Irishland!

My FIRST post! I was contemplating when to start this blog but now seems like a good time since I am leaving in 10 days! I can't believe 10 days from now I will be in Ireland with a whole new perspective on life. Different people, different environment and different customs and culture. I am really going to miss my friends and family but I know this experience will be worth it. I intend on taking about 12 credits so on the weekends I can do lots of traveling. I have never been out of the country nor away from everything I have known for more than 3 weeks. I hope to grow as an individual and filmmaker through studying abroad. Well, time to study for finals. See everyone in the Emerald Isle!

Love,

Nicole